A Georgia medical doctor has confessed to using Bitcoin on the dark web to orchestrate a murder-for-hire plot against his girlfriend. Dr. James Wan, aged 54, pled guilty to the charge in an Atlanta federal court, according to the US Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Georgia.
The US Attorney, Ryan K. Buchanan, commended the use of the dark web by Dr. Wan to conceal his nefarious plan, but fortunately, authorities were able to intervene and prevent any harm to the intended victim. The FBI became aware of the murder-for-hire scheme through a confidential informant who monitors the dark web for credible and dangerous solicitations. To aid future investigations, the court allowed the government to keep the informant’s identity and the dark web marketplace undisclosed in public filings.
The targeted girlfriend, whose identity remains undisclosed in court documents, was placed under FBI protection as soon as the plot was uncovered, ensuring her safety. Dr. Wan’s dangerous scheme was foiled, thanks to the investigative efforts of the authorities.
Bitcoin Transaction Error Exposes Dark Web Hitman Plot
In April 2022, Wan used a cellular telephone to access a dark web marketplace and arranged for a hitman to carry out the murder. Detailed information about the victim, including name, address, Facebook account, license plate, and car description, was provided. The hitman’s instructions included the option to take the victim’s wallet, phone, and car, or simply eliminate the victim and leave.
To proceed with the contract, Dr. Wan made an initial down payment of approximately $8,000 worth of Bitcoin to the dark web marketplace. However, a few days later, he discovered that the Bitcoin he had sent did not appear in his escrow account. This was due to an error in the Bitcoin address provided. Wan acknowledged his mistake, stating, “Damn. I guess I lost $8k. I’m sending $8k to escrow now.”
After rectifying the error, Dr. Wan sent an additional Bitcoin payment of around $8,000 to the marketplace, and his order was approved. He even reached out to the dark web forum, seeking updates on the progress of the job. Subsequently, he made further Bitcoin payments to ensure his escrow account remained funded.
Confession and Legal Proceedings
Following surveillance by the FBI, Wan’s girlfriend was provided with protection, and Dr. Wan was called in for questioning. He admitted to placing the order, sending payments, and monitoring the order’s progress on the dark web marketplace. Evidence from his cell phone and Bitcoin wallet supported his confession.
The case is currently under investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Dr. Wan’s sentencing is scheduled for January 18, 2024, before US District Court Judge Leigh Martin May.
Unfortunately, this case is not isolated. There have been multiple instances where individuals have used Bitcoin to carry out criminal activities, like hiring hitmen. It serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance in combating illicit activities facilitated by cryptocurrencies.
For instance, a woman in Mississippi was sentenced to 10 years in prison for hiring an assassin using Bitcoin to kill her husband. Another woman in Nevada received a five-year prison sentence for attempting to hire a hitman with Bitcoin to kill her ex-husband.
